Derby Manager Wayne Rooney Shares His Thoughts On Birmingham City Winger Tahith Chong

Wayne Rooney has deemed Manchester United loanee Tahith Chong as someone to be wary of.

The Dutchman has been sent on a season-long loan to Birmingham City for the 2021/21 campaign. Chong has kicked off his career at the Championship side in spectacular fashion with two assists to his name in four appearances so far.

United see the winger as a future prospect, which is exactly why he was sent out on loan to get some first-team action under his belt.

Moreover, the youngster’s potential is not just something the club values, but something Rooney himself sees as a threat. After all, the former Red Devil witnessed his exploits from front row seats as he scored against Derby County during a pre-season friendly.

“Obviously, he’s a very talented player,” the Derby manager said. “He played against us in the preseason and yeah, he’s an impact player, he has good moments in the game.

“So, of course, we’ll have to be wary of him and make sure we’re on our toes and we’re defending well against him because if we give him time and space, then he’s a player who can really hurt you.”

The Holland U21 man’s opening goal against Derby has really left an impression on the United legend. Although it was just a pre-season game, the former England international could gauge the Birmingham man’s talent. And the wideman’s displays for the Blues are testament to the fact that Rooney was very accurate with his assessment.

United, meanwhile, will be very happy with the way their academy has been producing talents in recent times, with Mason Greenwood being a prime example of a top player who has risen up their ranks. And although Chong still has a long way to go before he breaks into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first XI for good, the early signs look to be in favour of him.